Why did you choose Saint Mary’s College? Did you consider any other universities?
Prefacing my decision to choose Saint Mary’s, I was considering a lot of other colleges for rowing. I decided that I didn’t want to pursue any form of rowing in college, so that led me to Saint Mary’s. Saint Mary’s was very appealing because of its proximity to the city and its size. Being close to the family business and home, San Francisco, was very important to me. While this was a huge reason for me, I felt SMC’s small town atmosphere was something that I also was interested in. I found that aspect of the area very appealing as the years passed. The size of the school, another reason I came to the school, was a huge factor to my success in my education at Saint Mary’s. I was comfortable in the classroom and with the professors, which greatly benefited my learning experience. College, in the end, is a place of learning and professional growth. I believe Saint Mary’s size and atmosphere built the foundations for both of these things in my life.
What is your fondest memory of Saint Mary’s?
One of my fondest memories of Saint Mary’s was standing with my dad near the baseball field looking at chapel lawn while leaving campus after orientation. I vividly remember thinking how I planned to make the most out of my four years at Saint Mary’s--however that meant to me at the time. It was an exciting and warm feeling. There were so many unknowns and opportunities that I could have never expected. When looking back, I’m genuinely proud of myself and proud of how Saint Mary’s has helped shape me.
What was the most valuable thing you learned in college and/or about yourself?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned in college was strive to be your most authentic self within all assets of life and let passion drive you. Although these two concepts change throughout time and with experience, being able to listen and reflect on these matters as best as possible will guide anyone to live a healthier and better life.
How do you think attending Saint Mary’s has benefited you and future career aspirations?
Saint Mary’s did a great job providing the initial push and resources for many to get their career search going. I felt this was done well among the faculty in SEBA. There were instances within resume help and asking professors for advice that got the ball rolling. Personally, that was all I needed. I was very fortunate to have grown up within a family business, my network, that catered to a lot of business professionals. I took the foundational help Saint Mary’s provided and put the rest in my hands.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I will be working at Oracle NetSuite as a Business Development Representative in Austin, Texas. It is a new and very exciting opportunity I am blessed to have.
Where do you want your career to go in the next 5 years?
Within the next 5 years, I see myself developing my career vertically within software sales. Additionally, I see myself exploring different avenues of entrepreneurship or investment within the food industry.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My free time consists of a lot of cooking, different forms of exercise, reading, and searching for other hobbies via YouTube.
During Alex's time at Saint Mary's College, in pursuit of a Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Business Analytics, he curated a well rounded experience through his educational pursuits, extracurricular involvement, and career and personal development.